Just 5-foot-8 and 188 pounds, Broncos safety Jim Leonhard has made 61 NFL starts — including one this season, his first year in Denver. In college, he earned all-Big Ten honors three times at Wisconsin after joining the Badgers as a walk-on. He had no scholarship offers from major-college programs.

Leonhard’s home own of Tony, Wis., lists a population of 105 residents. It’s no wonder that Leonhard’s official website — jimleonhardfootball.com — offers an assortment of apparel emblazoned with “Dream BIG.”

“That’s always been my motto,” Leonhard said. “Dream BIG is a mind-set to set your goals high and chase after them. And if you fall short, there’s no shame in that.”

Q: After not receiving major-college scholarship offers, did you carry around a chip on your shoulder, as coaches like to say?

A: In college, that was definitely the mind-set. I felt that I was a better athlete and a better player than I was given credit for. I went out there every day and tried to prove people wrong. To be successful, you have to have some sort of edge. That was mine — being overlooked by a lot of people.

Q: You signed with Buffalo in 2005 as an undrafted free agent, playing primarily on special teams during three years with the Bills. But your career turned the corner in 2008 with Baltimore when you started 13 games. What do you recall about that season with the Ravens?

A: It was an unbelievable season in Baltimore. It was one of those situations where the style of the defense and the coaching staff, everything just fit. We had a great locker room. I was able to rejuvenate my career. I was given the opportunity to make some plays and prove that I deserved to get some snaps. And we did well as a team, making it to the AFC championship game.

Q: Rex Ryan was the defensive coordinator on that Ravens team, and then he convinced you to join him in 2009 in New York when he became head coach of the Jets. What was it like playing for him?

A: He’s a great coach. That’s the thing that kind of gets overlooked. He’s known for the comments he makes and the personality he has. But the biggest thing is, he’s a great football coach. I learned a lot from him. Having him as head coach, it was a great time. I have a lot of respect for him.

Q: You finished consecutive seasons — 2010 with a leg fracture and 2011 with major knee surgery — on injured reserve. Did you ever think that your career might be over?

A: It was a grind, there’s no doubt about it. Maybe I’m not smart enough, but I never thought those injuries would be the end of me. I knew I had football left in me and was lucky enough to get an opportunity out here. The body feels great. I’ll be ready when an opportunity comes.

Q: What made you decide the Broncos would be a good fit?

A: I knew a little bit about Jack Del Rio and his defense. Obviously, bringing Peyton (Manning) in — this organization wants to win, and they want to win now. Those are never bad places to be.

Q: Broncos fans watched you wrestle the ball away from Chargers all-pro tight end Antonio Gates at the end of what appeared to be a long completion three weeks ago. What was going through your mind?

A: During a play you don’t have a whole lot of time to think. I knew the ball was up, just based on (the pattern) he ran. I knew I would have a chance at it, and I made the play. We needed it.

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